Sonia Gandhis Book Reveals Tensions with Vasundhara Raje Over Varun Gandhis Birthday

Ganpat Singh Chouhan November 12, 2026, 12:00 am 3 min read

New Delhi, November 12: Sonia Gandhi‘s new book, “Belonging: A Journey of Love,” highlights a significant moment in Rajasthan’s political history involving former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. In the book, Sonia recounts that in March 1981, Varun Gandhi’s first birthday was celebrated at Raje’s home, despite Indira Gandhi suggesting a small gathering at home. This act was perceived as a deliberate slight against Indira Gandhi.

This incident dates back nearly 45 years. The book also elaborates on the growing rift between Menaka Gandhi and her family following the death of Sanjay Gandhi.

Indira Suggested a Small Gathering

Sonia notes that as Varun’s birthday approached, Indira Gandhi proposed inviting some of Menaka’s friends and their children for a small celebration. Menaka rejected this idea. Later, Indira learned that a birthday party was held at the home of Vasundhara Raje, the daughter of the former Maharani of Gwalior. The book describes the Maharani as a staunch supporter of the RSS and a political opponent of Indira Gandhi.

Vasundhara’s Role in Surya Magazine’s Sales

Sonia further reveals that Vasundhara Raje later assisted in the sales of Surya magazine, which was sold to a close associate of the former Maharani and linked to the RSS. This fueled Indira Gandhi’s suspicions that Menaka was preparing to leave the family.

According to the book, Indira perceived this not just as a personal affront but also as an insult to her late son Sanjay, her father Jawaharlal Nehru, and all those who opposed the communal ideology of the RSS.

Struggle for Political Legacy After Sanjay’s Death

Sonia writes that within a week of Sanjay Gandhi’s death, a senior journalist close to Menaka and her mother declared Menaka as the sole heir to Sanjay’s legacy in a column. Sonia suggests that this was a premeditated move.

Indira believed that 23-year-old Menaka was too young and inexperienced for a leadership role. At that time, Varun was only three months old, and Indira wanted Menaka to focus on the child and exercise patience, as there would be ample time for politics later. Sonia notes that Indira was troubled by Menaka’s eagerness to gain political power.

Vasundhara’s Mother Imprisoned During Emergency

The political rivalry between Vasundhara Raje’s mother, Vijayaraje Scindia, and Indira Gandhi is longstanding. During the Emergency in 1975, Indira imprisoned Vijayaraje under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, along with other opposition leaders. Both were held in a regular cell at Tihar Jail.

Vijayaraje Scindia was regarded as a significant patron of RSS and Janata Party leaders, providing support to many prominent figures, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

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Ganpat Singh Chouhan: My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.